Do you buy tech devices based on the brand? While certain brands have a better reputation than others, all devices are prone to breakdowns. At some point, your devices will need to be repaired or replaced.
Since you can’t avoid the inevitable, you may want to consider choosing your devices based on the warranty provided.
Table of Contents
1. You may need to file a warranty claim
Imagine needing a device replaced or repaired, but you opted for something that did not come with a warranty. You’ll have to buy a new device, which means that device just cost you twice as much.
Anytime you buy something moderately expensive to replace, look for a good warranty. Maybe in the past, you’ve forgotten about your warranties because the repairs or replacements never seemed like a big deal. Well, you’d be surprised at how much money you can save just by filing claims, but the key is that you need to track your warranties.
For instance, a warehouse supply chain called Gulf Relay increased their warranty reimbursement by 782% by using fleet maintenance management software from Cetaris. Without this kind of software, you’ll miss some key warranty reimbursement opportunities.
If you run into a situation where you need an expensive repair, a full replacement, or just parts, your warranty will ensure that you don’t pay out of pocket.
2. You can’t always predict equipment failure
There’s no way to know ahead of time which pieces of equipment are going to break down or when. All you can do is plan ahead by getting a good warranty for the equipment you need to use.
Whatever industry you’re in, there are probably several different companies that make the equipment you need. If there are, and the products are comparable, consider choosing the brand that comes with a better warranty. Since you can’t predict equipment failure, and repairs are inevitable, good warranties are necessary.
3. Some breakdowns are commonplace
While you can’t predict equipment breakdowns, sometimes you’ll know ahead of time that a particular breakdown is likely. For example, the volume pusher on audio equipment can lose contact eventually. You might also experience a loss of output or popping sounds from your speakers.
When it comes to internet tech, some routers experience hard drive failure from too much heat stress and poor circulation. Some of these breakdowns are preventable, but not always. If you know ahead of time that you’re going to be placing a router in an area with poor air circulation, you should buy a router with a warranty. That way, you won’t have to buy a brand-new device if it does overheat.
4. You’ll save more money than you think
Warranties often come with a product purchase. For example, many laptops come with at least a one-year warranty. However, larger pieces of equipment sometimes require an additional fee for the warranty. Some companies even offer different warranty tiers so you can choose what you’d like to get covered based on your budget.
You can save money with extended warranties sometimes
Some extended warranties are expensive compared to the cost of having an item repaired by a third party. In this case, it doesn’t make sense to get extended coverage. However, you really need to do the math to figure out if an extended warranty is worth the cost.
While it’s true that most extended warranties aren’t worth the cost, sometimes they can save you hundreds of dollars. It really depends on the device.
5. You can’t void a warranty with self-repair
If you don’t currently consider warranties because you perform your own repairs or have a third-party repair your equipment, you don’t have to worry. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for manufacturers to void warranties for self-repair.
It doesn’t matter if the manufacturer places a giant sticker over your device that says, “warranty void if this seal has been altered, defaced, or removed.” Such notices are illegal and the FTC acts against manufacturers who attempt to deceive their customers this way.
Your warranties could save you thousands
Saving money every chance you can is important, so why not save money by making sure your equipment is covered by a warranty so you can cash in on your warranty claims?
You might only save a couple of hundred bucks here and there. However, over time, you’ll accumulate total savings of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
